The European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said in a joint statement that the parliamentary elections in Kosovo were peaceful and saw the participation of all communities.

That statement said that the EU election observer mission found that the elections were peaceful and competitive with the participation of all communities and the implementation of a new electoral law. “The campaign was vibrant. The overall process demonstrated resilience and commitment to democratic principles,” it added. The observer mission will remain in Kosovo to follow post-election procedures and make recommendations.

“We call upon the authorities in Kosovo to engage in responsible regional cooperation and to intensify their efforts to strengthen the rule of law and public administration, and to protect freedom of expression. Progress in the normalisation of relations with Serbia is the only way for Kosovo to achieve progress on its European path. Kosovo is expected to implement its obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation, as well as all past Dialogue agreements without further delays or preconditions. There is no alternative to the EU-facilitated Dialogue,” the statement said.